Honorary Degrees
Steven Packer, MD
Dr. Steven Packer has been a consistent leadership-level annual fund donor to California State University, Monterey Bay since 2004. As the CEO of Montage Health, he has been an integral partner in supporting healthcare programs and students within the College of Health Sciences and Human Services. Montage Health’s community partnership of nearly $1 million to CSUMB has supported programs within the college as well as scholarships for students.
Appointed as president/CEO of Montage Health and its related corporation in January 1999, Packer has long had a strong role in supporting healthcare in our region. His background as chief of staff for Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and as a medical director of the intensive care unit for 11 years, has provided him with real-world knowledge that guides his support of health and well-being in our community.
Under Packer’s leadership, Montage Health has experienced considerable growth. In his 25 years as Chief Executive Officer, he has overseen the expansion of Community Hospital’s facilities through the 200,000 square-foot Pavilions Project, development of the Carol Hatton Breast Care Center, construction of the Ryan Ranch Outpatient Campus, and the creation of Montage Medical Group. He has also worked to expand access to essential services with the opening of Ohana, Montage’s innovative youth and adolescent mental health program, the development of Montage Wellness Centers in Marina and Salinas, and the creation of Monterey County’s first Medicare Advantage Program, Aspire Health Plan.
A strong supporter of education, he is instrumental in offering support to CSUMB nursing and physician assistant students who have completed clinical rotations at all Montage locations in Monterey County. Numerous CSUMB alumni work for Montage Health.
Packer is active in community and industry affairs. He has served on the boards of the California Hospital Association (past chair), Vizient West Coast, and NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company, and served on CSUMB’s Foundation board from 2014-2023. Through his work, Packer seeks opportunities to provide philanthropic support to local community initiatives and organizations.
Packer serves as an inspirational role model for our healthcare students, as the university focuses on expanding health programs that serve the region. His work clearly aligns his life and career with our CSUMB mission to be recognized as a premier comprehensive university that prepares reflective practitioners, innovative leaders, and thriving citizens dedicated to the public good.